WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - "One thousand one. one thousand two. one thousand three." KABOOM!

As a child I learned to stand still after a lightning flash and count to myself until I heard the thunder. That would tell me how far away the storm was located. I had no idea when the sound would come. I just waited and counted.

Over the years I have often used this interval to describe the pause that takes place just before an actual shift in thinking or action takes place. Throughout history this natural phenomenon is reflected in a lightning flash of insight that is soon followed by the sounds of responding action.

Such is Holy Saturday - when we stand in the silence and count the hours until the New Fire of the Service of Light during the Easter Vigil is kindled.

So what should we make of this time. this interval? Should we just go about our business as usual, then pick up our observation at sunset?

On this side of the cross we already know that Easter will come, as it already has. We are fully aware that the tomb was empty and the account that will be read on the Lord's Day will not change. So, in this day of silence, as we remember Christ in the tomb, we also remember that while it was silent on earth, the spirit world as quite active.

"He descended into hell." The Catholic Catechism quotes from an ancient Holy Saturday homily when addressing the creedal statement that has been apart of Christian faith since the very beginning.

Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him - He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . "I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. [Catechism, Profession of Faith, 635]

Silence and stillness reigns today. We can reflect on Christ's descent to the abode of the dead, there declaring that the final death has been conquered once-and-for-all. He preached hope to the hopeless and life those who had none.

Holy Saturday is a day to pray for those who walk among us as the living dead. Their hope is placed in all things other than Christ and, for them, death will be ultimate, final, and hopeless.

Yet, they are living in the interval. The thunder has not sounded, signaling the end. Christ is there for them, declaring the same hope he did on the first Holy Saturday.

Let us pray for our family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even those who are known to God but merely cross our path.

Many years ago I was attending a Convention Manager's Training Conference in California in preparation for leadership of a large denominational youth convention. My roommate for the event, a fellow minister named Steve, and I were partnered with a perky tour guide from Disneyland for the final event - a backstage tour of the Magic Kingdom.

We not only rode the rides, we went underground and behind the scenes to learn how the greatest 24/7 convention in the world was managed. As we were led through each exhibit, Steve kept bringing up questions of the Christian faith with our guide. I was a little uncomfortable at his persistence. Little by little we learned more about the young woman who was our escort; that her husband was a student at a nearby seminary, and that she had a vibrant faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We had some great conversations.

Later back in the room I asked Steve about his foray into this spiritual discussion. He told me that he carries a burden for anyone he meets, wondering if they have ever responded to the gospel. Often, he said, he would attempt to ask some questions to see where they are concerning the things of God.

While most of us may not share the intensity of his burden; yet we can still share in his vigil, praying for those who are not baptized or have yet to fully embrace their baptism. The living dead walk by us every day. They are not aware of the finality that awaits those who hope in anything other than the Savior.

Christ is calling to these precious souls just as he preached during his descent. He is touching them through word and deed as His Church moves in faith upon the face of the Earth.

St. Melito of Sardis, a second century bishop and apologist wrote the following concerning the work of Christ on Holy Saturday.

Something strange is happening - there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The ...